I don’t hate The Last of Us Part II for the commonly cited reasons that circulate around the internet.
It was the most anticipation I had felt towards a game since Death Stranding launched, and that’s what made the gut-punch of playing it unbearable. Along the way to the release of Part II, I avoided ubiquitous plot leaks but was aware of the controversy and backlash from those who had been exposed to the story details. Despite my fondness for that nearly perfect ending, I immediately lapped up the announcements and press events and trailers leading up to the release of The Last of Us Part II, for it’s so easy to want more from an intellectual property you care a lot about. The ambiguity of Ellie’s final word, “Okay,” before the credits rolled earned The Last of Us a top spot for best video game endings of all time. I loved the original Last of Us despite the story far outshining the gameplay, but thought it didn’t need a sequel. The Last of Us Part II is one of the toughest gaming experiences I’ve ever endured, and writing about that experience is equally difficult.
